The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) has celebrated 21 years of leadership across South East Melbourne with the release of its inaugural Impact Report 2004-2025.
SECCCA was established in 2004, delivering joint initiatives that leverage economies of scale to achieve outcomes beyond the reach of an individual council. SECCCA works as an alliance to future-proof assets and communities, deliver long-term financial savings, and reduce carbon emissions. It also conducts targeted advocacy, contributing to state and federal policy development for the benefit of the region.
The organisation’s 46 projects have helped to achieve $22 million in cost savings and 22.9 million tonnes in potential carbon emissions savings.
SECCCA’s CEO, Helen Steel, said that the past two decades have shown that the need for a coordinated local government response to climate change is only increasing.
“Rising temperatures, more frequent and severe weather events, and shifting regulatory expectations all point to one clear truth: climate change is a whole-of-council issue that requires integrated, strategic action,” Steel said.
“In this rapidly evolving landscape, SECCCA continues to deliver exceptional value. Over the past 21 years ever dollar invested in SECCCA by a member council has returned 24 times that amount – a testament to the strength and effectiveness of our collaborative approach.”
SECCCA Chair (2017-2023) and former Bass Coast Shire Council mayor, Michael Whelan, said that for over two decades, SECCCA has been a catalyst for climate action – uniting councils to deliver lasting change.
“As a trusted local government delivery partner, SECCCA has led innovative projects that protect communities, strengthen our region, and build resilience where it matters most,” Whelan said.
“Across Victoria, 69 of the state’s 79 councils are members of a Victorian Greenhouse Alliance. These regional alliances deliver outstanding outcomes for their communities and serve as a national role model for the local government sector. As a sector, our strength lies in collaboration. Together we go further, faster, and with greater impact.”
The full report can be found on SECCCA’s website: https://seccca.org.au/impact-report
